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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Know Your Lane (part 1)





Hip Hop was born in the 1970s in New York City. It was founded on the 4 Pillars of the culture, DJing, Mcing, b-boying, and graffiti artist. This was outlined by one of the pioneers Afrika Bambaataa. He also added another element, beatboxing.


The DJ first emerged with disc jockeys creating rhythmic beats by looping breaks (small portions of songs emphasizing a percussive pattern) on two turntables, more commonly referred to as sampling. The DJ got the party started, and kept the energy of the crowd up. Kool DJ Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Grandmaster Caz were early pioneers of Hip Hop Djing.


The MC raps or just rhymes. This refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics with a strong rhythmic accompaniment".The art of rhyming can be broken down into different components, such as “content”, “flow” and “delivery”. Rapping is distinct from spoken word poetry in that is it performed in time to the beat of the music. The use of the word "rap" to describe quick and slangy speech actually precedes what we know as Hip Hop. Some early MCs were Melle Mel, and Busy B.


The relationship between graffiti and hip hop culture arises both from early graffiti artists practicing other aspects of hip hop, and its being practiced in areas where other elements of hip hop were evolving as art forms. Graffiti is recognized as a visual expression of rap music. Some early pioneers of graffiti in the 1970s include Crash, Blade, Zephyr, and Lady Pink.


Breaking, also called B-boying or breakdancing, is a dynamic style of dance which developed as part of the hip hop culture.Breaking began to take form in the South Bronx alongside the other elements of hip hop. The term "B-boy" originated from the dancers at DJ Kool Herc's parties, who saved their best dance moves for the break section of the song, getting in front of the audience to dance in a distinctive style. DJ Kool Herc described the "B" in B-boy as short for breaking which at the time was slang for "going off".Early acts include the Rock Steady Crew and New York City Breakers.


Beatboxing, popularized by Doug E. Fresh is the vocal percussion of hip hop culture. It is the art of creating beats, rhythms, and melodies using the human mouth.The term beatboxing is derived from the mimicing of first generation of drum machines, then known as beatboxes. It can be categorized under the production element of hip hop, though it does sometimes include a type of rapping intersected with the human-created beat. The practice was included in hip hop in the early days by Doug E Fresh, the Fat Boys, and then Biz Markie. Although it has lost its significance in the culture, it is still a showstopper when someone as good as Rahzel, formerly of the Roots, gives a performance.


As time has passed the original Pillars have been abandoned. Djs have turned into MCs, MCs try to be their own DJs and B-boys. Instead of focusing and becoming great at a Pillar, most are now just stuck being mediocore at 2 or 3 of them. Today you can include the Djs and Mcs wearing hats such as CEO, model, etc. It makes it hard to succeed in what they originally set out to do for the love of hip hop. We have a chance to bring it back and become great at our individual talents and combine to become a force in the community and music. So ask yourself, Whats Your Lane??

Stay Tuned to PUR Entertainment

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Kanye Shows How to "Runaway" From Conventional Hip Hop Videos

"Creativity- like human life itself- begins in darkness." - Julia Cameron



Kanye West has been through alot in the past 2 years. The loss of his mother, being ostrocised in court of public opinion. I agreed with him, Beyonce did have a better video. The backlash for the "Taylor Swift Interruption" was due to his skin color and what he represented.

A young, black, cocky, creative, dickhead. He is a great artist, producer, and somewhat fashion icon. Although I wouldnt be caught dead in skinny jeans, and everytime I see a dude in them I believe he is going to start "Jerkin" at any minute.


Anyway, while getting ready to go out one night I noticed his new full length mini movie "Runaway". So I planned to watch a few minutes while preserving my sexy (thanks Diddy), and catch the rest when i got back home. 35 minutes later i was calling a friend to tell them to watch this video. I love this video. One thing about Kanye, he is not afraid to go left field with his ideas. Kanye directed this piece that was written by acclaimed hip hop director Hype Williams. Now let me be clear about this I dont entertain all that illuminati talk.Its dumb because the organization does not exist and control the world. And if they did, why would they worship the devil? Anytime a black male becomes successful or reaches new heights in fame, its some secret organization behind it. Satan this and satan that, get over it.

Sometimes I give it a second thought......


Back to what I was saying, the video is beautiful visually. Kanye and Selita Ebanks are horrible thespians, but it kind of adds to the video. The Phoenix falling down to earth and having to find her way back is symbolic of how Kanye views himself. She is told she shouldnt burn and return to her world, but she refuses to allow herself to be held down from being what she is. He even tells her he wont let her burn, that he will keep her from going back to her world. But just like us men, he falls asleep after a hot woman puts it on him and she steals off and burns anyway. Which reminds me, Kanye get checked bruh! Each song in this mini movie sounds like the Kanye is growing even more as an artist. Standouts are plenty, including "Devil in a New Dress", "All of the Lights", and the titular "Runaway". Kanye is a one of a kind hip hop artist. This mini movie and even just the video for the song "Runaway" is refreshing and beautiful. If you cant appreciate the grace and skill of the dancers in the video i suggest you open your eyes.





Artist you do not have to have gyrating, humping strippers in your videos. You do not have to drive around in a rented car, and aim at the camera with your trigger finger. Lets get more creativity and less ignorant imagery. I understand you may have a low budget, but think outside the box. But then again if your song is called "Booty Booty Everywhere", then i guess you cant think too far outside the box.

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Me Just Being Me, Hate It Or Love It (Chris B)


I was approached by E the CEO to work with PUR Entertainment. She said she enjoys my thoughts on different subjects and likes the way I express myself. I said thank you and jumped at the opportunity, but I think she has no idea. Given the forum I am going to be sure to give you pure, raw, unadulterated truth. If you can't handle it I suggest you go to a safer blog that will not hurt your feelings.

I was born and raised in Norfolk, Va, but I have resided in Bmore for the last 6 years. The DMV has always been home, besides the year I spent in the Chi. I've always been a fan of Hip Hop. R&B was my first love but i was introduced to hip hop through my friend London. Summer of 1994 he had the Warren G "Regulate" cassette and my favorite song blasted through his tape player, "This DJ".




I became engrossed in hip hop. From "I Used to Love H.E.R" to "Party and Bullshit", it was on for me. I've always been entranced by lyricism and had low tolerance for gimmicks. I believe hip hop is an art form and a lifestyle, not just a musical genre. I love Wu-Tang and the ones that haven't sold out to make a little money, but on the flipside I can rock in the club to a Gucci song.


"Guaranteed to make em jump like Rod Strickland"



I'm a big fan of Lupe Fiasco, J. Cole, Nas, Jay-Z, T.I, Ice Cube, Little Brother, Kanye West, Consequence, Common, should i keep going? Just know i'll listen to almost anything, but if its bullsh*t I will let you know.


"Ching-a-ling, ching-a-ling is a hit it boooooy" Example of Pure Bull



So from the tops of the charts to VA, to DC, to the corners of Baltimore and Pennsylvania Ave, i'm listening. So artist come with the real shit.


"Only astronauts are brave enough of visiting me"


Come with your experiences in life as well as those around you. Let me hear your lyrics come alive, and if i'm in the club let me see the pretty girls dance. But please do not do the Stanky Leg or G5 if you been out of high school for 22 years. This is just my opinion. You should be two steppin to everything before you break a hip. So thank you for reading this and coming to my blog, and rocking with me and PUR Entertainment. And if you have an opinion be sure to let me hear it, not saying i'll give a f*ck, but its always welcome!
Signin out, Chris B.


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